In the run-up to the Government's much-anticipated review of student immigration to the UK, experts from the education industry and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) were recently brought together by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations at an event to discuss how best to assess the English language levels of students coming to study in the UK.

At the end of last year, the Prime Minister ordered a review of Tier 4, the system that controls the flow of students coming to study in the UK, making this event particularly timely for the 150 delegates from language schools, the media and education providers who attended. Entitled Language at the Border: Assessing Language Ability for Study in the UK, the forum gave delegates the opportunity to discuss the issues with Suzanne Barnes, UKBA's policy lead for Tier 4, whose team recently submitted its proposals in response to the Prime Minister's request.

Dr Michael Milanovic, chief executive of Cambridge ESOL, who opened the event, explained the importance of this discussion forum. "When it comes to language testing for student immigration, we must ensure fairness, security and fitness for purpose, so that we are respecting the human rights of the individuals going through our immigration process and acting in the best interests of the UK."

Juliet Wilson, assistant director for customer services at Cambridge ESOL, outlined the importance of a rigorous and secure testing system when assessing language for immigration purposes. She explained Cambridge's stringent approach to quality assurance and security and how its new online verification service will include a test-day photo of the candidate.

Dr Nick Saville, who heads Cambridge ESOL's Research and Validation function, explained the kind of factors that governments need to consider when choosing language tests for this purpose, and stressed how seeking professional guidance helps to ensure language assessment for immigration is fair and appropriate.

Other speakers included Tony Millns, from English UK, and Anne Arnott, from the Canadian High Commission, who outlined Canada's approach to attracting foreign students and its immigration strategy. Michael Carrier, from the British Council, briefed delegates on how the English language has helped the UK build closer cultural and economic ties with the rest of the world, giving examples of notable former students who were educated in this country.